Robert Burke, Internal Audit Partner

Robert was raised in Ashbourne, Co. Meath and brought up within a career-driven household – his mother working in banking and his father originally a production engineer who then moved into IT sales. “I owe everything to my parents for a fantastic upbringing and instilling a strong work ethic in me,” he reflects.

During his time at Ashbourne Community School, Robert’s two favourite subjects were quite different: Construction Studies & Woodwork and Accounting. Leaving school, Robert found himself at a crossroads – pursue carpentry as a trade or continue to college. Reflecting on his decision to pursue a degree, he says, “I initially studied engineering for a year, but applied maths and physics were not for me, so I switched lanes and went on to study Accounting and Finance in Dublin Institute of Technology (now TU Dublin).”

Upon graduation, Robert began his training with Horwath Bastow Charleton (now Crowe), qualifying in 2012. That same year, he and his now wife, Siobhán, took the opportunity to live and work in Australia. Robert primarily worked at a bank in Melbourne, gaining valuable experience in international financial services. Deciding to extend their stay, he completed the required backbreaking farmwork placement to get a second-year visa. “After leaving Australia, we travelled around New Zealand, Fiji and Southeast Asia for four months, which was an amazing experience.”

When Robert returned to Ireland, he came across an opportunity to work for Forvis Mazars. With growing interest in how organisations operate, he was drawn to a role in Internal Audit as the next step in his career. Vividly recalling his interview in late 2014 with Corné Mouton and Bernard Barron, Robert says, “I was quite nervous in the interview, but I’m forever grateful that they decided to give me a chance.

“The more I grew into the role, the more I realised this was the career for me.” He enjoys being able to give independent and objective advice to boards, committees and executives. The exposure to various services, sectors and clients keeps this work constantly engaging.

Up through his early 20s, Robert was an avid footballer with Ashbourne United. After realising a professional career in the sport was not on the horizon, he turned his focus to grappling and mixed martial arts. Having participated in a variety of disciplines over the years, he specialised in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning a black belt in 2023 and now trains with the Royal Grappling Academy.

Outside of work, Robert and Siobhán stay busy with their two young children, aged three and one, along with their beloved dog, Molly.